Bow Tie Pasta Spinach Salad

My Aunt Vicki was the first one that made this salad for me and instantly I loved it. I have made it time and time again. Each time I make it someone asks for the recipe. This salad is a hit at potlucks or barbecue's or any get together. I have wanted to post this recipe for some time, and the other day, because of our blog  being part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program, I received a bag of Tyson's Grilled & Ready Chicken Breast Strips, and knew that I was going to be making the salad with that!

This salad calls for cooked chicken, and honestly, I usually don't ever throw chicken in it because I don't want to have to cook chicken along with making the salad, the salad is really good with out the chicken, but I loved being able to use the chicken that Tyson sent me into the salad.

Bow-Tie Pasta Spinach Salad

 Print Recipe

1, 16 oz package of Bow Tie Pasta

Cook the noodles and marinate in some of the dressing for at least 2 hours (make sure to leave some dressing out to coat salad with)

Dressing:

Blend in Blender:        1 cup vegetable Oil

                                    2/3 cup white wine vinegar (I never have, so I use plain vinegar)

                                    ½ tsp salt

                                    2/3 cup teriyaki sauce

                                    6 Tbls sugar

                                    ½ tsp pepper

Salad:

2 cans Mandarin Oranges

1 10oz bag baby spinach leaves

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped very finely

1 bunch green onions, chopped

¾ cup honey roasted peanuts

1 can water chestnuts, sliced and drained

¼ cup toasted sesame seeds

4 chicken breasts cooked and cut up (opt)

6 oz bag of Craisins

Combine all ingredients with Pasta and Chill.

Recipe Source: "Favorites, a collection of Ivory Family Recipes" Cookbook